Virtual Reality
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality (VR) is the application of computer technology to create simulated environments. VR developers can help you create VR environments for a variety of applications including video games.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in VR professionals:
- Virtual reality
- 3D design, modeling, and animation
- Programming language (e.g., C++, C#)
- 3D-rendering engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal, Google VR SDK)
How do you hire a virtual reality developer?
You can source VR talent on Upwork by following these three steps:
- Write a project description. You’ll want to determine your scope of work and the skills and requirements you are looking for in VR developers.
- Post it on Upwork. Once you’ve written a project description, post it to Upwork. Simply follow the prompts to help you input the information you collected to scope out your project.
- Shortlist and interview VR developers. Once the proposals start coming in, create a shortlist of the professionals you want to interview.
Of these three steps, your project description is where you will determine your scope of work and the specific type of VR developer you need to complete your project.
How do you write a VR development job post?
Your job post is your chance to describe your project scope, budget, and talent needs. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
Job post title
Create a simple title that describes exactly what you’re looking for. The idea is to target the keywords that your ideal candidate is likely to type into a job search bar to find your project. Here are some sample VR job post titles:
- VR developer needed to create a virtual showroom for our retail brand
- Seeking a VR developer to design and develop games for Oculus Rift
- AR/VR developer needed to create immersive experiences for advertising
Project description
An effective VR development job post should include:
- Scope of work: From 360° video to interactive VR environments, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries, developer tools, or VR technologies, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
VR developer job responsibilities
Here are some examples of VR developer job responsibilities:
- Design and develop interactive VR models and environments
- Coordinate with designers and developers to create compelling VR content
- Build and deploy VR apps for your target technology platform (e.g., HoloLens, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, iOS, Android, Windows)
VR developer job requirements and qualifications
Be sure to include any requirements and qualifications you’re looking for in VR developers. Here are some examples:
- VR
- 3D design, modeling, and animation
- Programming language (e.g., C++, C#)
- 3D-rendering engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal, Google VR SDK)
How much does it cost to hire VR specialists?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
Cost factor #1: Scope of your virtual reality app project
Your project description will definitely help when it comes to assessing the first major cost factor: the overall scope and complexity of your virtual reality project. Are you developing a VR app from scratch or adding new features? Are you starting with a small-scale prototype project to test the waters? These variables will help inform the level of developer you require and the skills he or she will need to have.
What kind of VR app are you developing? Is it an educational app, a gaming app, or something more specific such as a healthcare application? The more complex your VR app, the more-advanced the tools you’ll want to develop it with. There are platforms that allow nondevelopers to create VR apps without a lot of code (e.g., Unity’s PlayMaker script or Unreal’s Blueprints script). Note that you get what you pay for with programs that are more DIY in nature, in that the apps these produce tend to be lower-level and simpler. Very professional, high-quality VR necessitates a good amount of coding, which will require a more experienced developer (who may command a higher hourly rate).
Cost factor #2: Experience and platform-specific expertise
Although two of the most popular VR engines are based on common programming languages (C# and C++), you need a developer with more than just expertise in those languages. VR comes with its own set of challenges and associated technologies. Just as web developers often need a broad view of a project (web servers, APIs, virtualization, web security), VR developers work with a range of variables.
VR is rapidly evolving, but two things aren’t likely to change: VR software requires a highly polished interface, and it has different hardware requirements, when run on portable devices like wearable headsets and mobile devices. For a truly immersive and professional VR experience, you’ll need someone with a breadth of experience.
What kind of VR app are you developing? Is it a native app for iOS, Microsoft, PlayStation, or Google Cardboard (Android)? What engine are you using to build it: Unreal, Unity 3D, or something else? Many VR developers will be skilled with object-oriented programming, which is crucial for game development in particular. Games are their own niche, in fact—you definitely want someone experienced with the physics behind them.
The following table breaks down some average rates of VR developers you can find on Upwork.
Typical rates charged by VR developers*
| Level of Virtual Reality Developer | Description | Average Hourly Rate |
| Beginner | VR fundamentals: C, C++, C#, Unity 3D, and/or Unreal. Animation software such as Maya and/or Blender. Basic image/video editing. | $30-$50+ |
| Intermediate/Advanced | Higher proficiency in the fundamentals. Specialization in video games, mobile, or 360° film with a portfolio to back it up. | $50-$150+ |
| Multidisciplined | Beyond VR fundamentals, also has proficiency in other fields such as film production, game development, design, animation, and/or hardware optics. | $75-$150+ |
*Reflects rates charged by freelancers on Upwork in North America with more than 1,000 hours and 90% success rate.
For gaming apps in particular, you’ll need skills and experience in sound design, art direction, and UI/UX design. Someone experienced with the physics behind games will be able to help with sound design, art direction, 3D modeling, animation, and nonlinear storytelling.
Cost factor #4: Location of talent
Location is another variable that can affect a freelance VR developer’s cost. A big advantage to working with freelancers on Upwork is the access to a talent pool that spans the globe. This can mean leveraging different costs of living around the world to get yourself a better deal on a skilled freelancer.
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